Preparations for 2018 Rotary Cancer run in high gear

Organisers are putting final touches to the preparations for the 2018 Rotary Cancer Run, which will take place on August 26 starting at Kololo ceremonial grounds.

This year's edition will be the seventh, the first having been held in 2011.

According to a release from the organisers, the purpose of the run is to raise awareness about cancer and to find ways of handling it. At least 36 towns in Uganda will participate in the run which is expected to draw in excess of 30,000 people.

"Many Ugandans were and still are dying of cancer due to mainly lack of awareness and treatment. In 2011, we embarked on a mission to build a specialist cancer ward in Uganda. Our vision was that this ward would provide the vital early detection and cure of cancer, provide pre and post treatment care and most importantly save many lives being lost needlessly. The country had one major cancer treatment centre at Mulago Hospital, which was not enough to treat all the people. The Uganda Rotary Cancer Programme was initiated to help bridge this gap," read part of the statement.

Billions of shillings have been raised from the previous six editions and the money has been put to good use.

"We have been able to build a 36-bed cancer treatment centre at Nsambya Hospital worth Shs 1.5 billion, which is operational now. This money came from the first three runs (2012 – 2014), support from corporate organisations led by Centenary Bank (Shs240m over three years), Pepsi, Hima cement, National Housing and many others plus individual Rotarians. We also managed to fit the centre with equipment worth over $150, 000 that we acquired through two Global Grants," the statement noted.

Proceeds from the 2015 run went towards the blood bank at Mengo hospital, construction that is also now complete.

To participate in the run, one will have to purchase a ticket at Shs 25,000 from Capital Shoppers, Bulange Mengo, Rotary Office on 9th Floor NIC Building, Game Stores Lugogo and select Centenary Bank branches and Airtel shops and in all major towns across the country.

Next Media is one of the sponsors of the events.